Mediating apparatus and air conditioning system

ABSTRACT

An air conditioner selectively executes a first control which carries out an air conditioning by driving a compressor by a frequency which is controlled based on a set value and a space temperature, and a second control which carries out an air conditioning with a predetermined air conditioning capacity. The operating apparatus switches an activeness and an inactiveness of a signal based on a scale relationship between the space temperature and the set temperature. An instructing part instructs the air conditioner to start the second control with an input to a inputting part as a trigger, and instructs the air conditioner to finish the second control with a switch of the signal as a trigger. An estimated value of the set temperature is calculated based on the space temperature with the switch of the signal as a trigger, and is transmitted as the set value to the air conditioner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mediating apparatus, and moreparticularly a mediating apparatus mediating a communication between athermostat which serves as an operating apparatus of an air conditionerin which a frequency control of a compressor is not carried out, and theair conditioner in which the frequency control of the compressor iscarried out.

2. Description of the Background Art

Conventionally, particularly in an accommodation unit in U.S.A., therehave been employed a lot of air conditioners which do not use aninverter control system. In a compressor of the air conditionermentioned above, only a control of starting and stopping an operation iscarried out, and a frequency thereof is not controlled.

A set temperature is input by a user to a general-purpose thermostatcorresponding to an operation apparatus (a user interface) with respectto the air conditioner mentioned above. Further, the thermostattransmits a thermo signal which indicates an operation start/stop of thecompressor (so-called thermo on/thermo off) based on a room temperatureand the set temperature. The air conditioner starts/stops the operationof the compressor based on the thermo signal.

On the other hand, in the inverter control type air conditioner, sincethe frequency of the compressor is controlled in such a manner that theroom temperature comes close to the set temperature, it is necessary torecognize the set temperature in the air conditioner. Accordingly, thegeneral-purpose thermostat mentioned above can not be used in theinverter control type air conditioner. However, if a user interfaceexclusively for an inverter is provided, it is necessary for the user tonewly master a using method.

Accordingly, a technique which can operate an inverter control type airconditioner while using the general-purpose thermostat is disclosed inJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-186095 and JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-281717. In Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2009-186095 and Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2009-281717, a mediating apparatus is provided between thethermostat and the air conditioner. The mediating apparatus receives athermo signal from the thermostat, estimates a set temperature based onan indoor temperature with the receiving of the thermo signal as atrigger, and transmits an estimated value to the air conditioner.

However, the mediating apparatus can not estimate the set temperature ifit does not receive the thermo signal. Accordingly, even if the userchanges the set temperature, a change of the set temperature is notreflected on the air conditioner until the thermostat transmits thethermo signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mediatingapparatus which contributes to a shortening of a term from a change of aset temperature to a reflection of the set temperature.

A first aspect of a mediating apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention is a mediating apparatus which mediates a communicationbetween an air conditioner and an operating apparatus. The airconditioner selectively executes a first air conditioning control and asecond conditioning control. The first conditioning control carries outan air conditioning while including a step of driving a compressor by afrequency which is controlled based on a set value and a spacetemperature of a space as a subject of an air conditioning control, andreducing the frequency. The second air conditioning control carries outan air conditioning with a predetermined air conditioning capacity. Theoperating apparatus inputs a set temperature, and switches an activenessand an inactiveness of a signal based on a scale relationship betweenthe space temperature and the set temperature so as to transmit thesignal. The mediating apparatus is provided with an inputting part formaking the air conditioner execute the second air conditioning control,a signal receiving part which receives the signal from the operatingapparatus, an instructing part which instructs the air conditioner tostart the second air conditioning control with an input to the inputtingpart as a trigger, and instructs the air conditioner to finish thesecond air conditioning control with a switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of the signal as a trigger, a room temperature acquiringpart which receives an information indicating the space temperature, aset temperature estimating part which calculates an estimated value ofthe set temperature based on the space temperature with the switch ofthe activeness and the inactiveness of the signal as a trigger, and anestimated value transmitting part which transmits the estimated value asthe set value to the air conditioner.

According to the first aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, the user inputs to the inputting part,whereby it is possible to make the air conditioner carry out the secondair conditioning control. At this time, the air conditioner can output apredetermined air conditioning capacity regardless of the set value.

In the case that the user changes the set temperature in a state inwhich the first air conditioning control is executed, the estimatedvalue of the set temperature is not necessarily transmitted just afterthe change. This is because of the following reason. In other words,since the air conditioner is based on the set value which corresponds tothe estimated value of the set temperature, and the air conditioning isnot carried out based on the changed set temperature, the spacetemperature does not appropriately follow the set temperature.Accordingly, there is a case that it takes a long time to switch theactiveness and the inactiveness of the signal which becomes a triggerfor calculating the estimated value.

If the user recognizes that it takes a long time to reflect the changedset temperature as mentioned above, the user can operate the inputtingpart.

Further, for example, if the set temperature is changed to a directionwhich requires the air conditioning capacity, it is possible to achievethe air conditioning operation by a great air conditioning capacity withthe input to the inputting part as a trigger by setting thepredetermined air conditioning capacity to a comparatively large value,whereby it is possible to quickly make the space temperature intersectwith the changed set temperature. In conjunction with this, theoperating apparatus can shorten a period from the change of the settemperature to the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of thesignal. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly estimate the changed settemperature so as to transmit the changed set temperature as the setvalue to the air conditioner, and it is possible to quickly achieve thefirst air conditioning control based on the changed set temperature (theset value).

A second aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with thefirst aspect, wherein the predetermined air conditioning capacity isequal to or more than an average value of the air conditioning capacitywhich is output by the first air conditioning control during a periodbetween a first time point and a second time point. The activeness andthe inactiveness of said signal are switched at the second time point.The second time point is just before the first time point when the inputto said inputting part is carried out.

According to the second aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, it is possible to shorten the period fromthe change of the set temperature to the reflection of the settemperature in the air conditioner by carrying out the input to theinputting part by the user, at a time of changing the set temperature ina direction which requires the air conditioning capacity.

A third aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with the secondaspect, wherein the operating apparatus activates and transmits thesignal when the space temperature is lower than the set temperature inthe case that the air conditioner executes a cooling operation, andactivates and transmits the signal at a time when the space temperatureis higher than the set temperature in the case that the air conditionerexecutes a heating operation, and the instructing part instructs thestart of the second air conditioning control only in the case that thesignal is activated.

According to the third aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, it is possible to dissolve the followingproblem in the case that the present operating apparatus is attached tothe mediating apparatus. A description will be given below of a coolingoperation by exemplifying. For example, in the case that the spacetemperature is lower than the set temperature even by lowering the settemperature, the signal maintains the inactiveness. The input to theinputting part is carried out in a state in which the signal isinactive, and if the second air conditioning operation is continuouslycarried out under the comparatively large air conditioning capacity, thespace temperature is away from the set temperature (for example, a highset temperature THref in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the activeness and theinactiveness of the signal are not switched. Therefore, in accordancewith the third aspect of the mediating apparatus, since the second airconditioning control is instructed only in the case that the signal isactivated, it is possible to dissolve the problem caused by theerroneous input of the user.

A fourth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with any oneaspect of the first to third aspects, further including a secondinputting part for making the air conditioner carry out a third airconditioning control which carries out the air conditioning with asecond air conditioning capacity which is smaller than the predeterminedair conditioning capacity, wherein the instructing part instructs theair conditioner to start the third air conditioning control with theinput to the second inputting part as a trigger, and instructs the airconditioner to finish the third air conditioning control with the switchof the activeness and the inactiveness of the signal as a trigger.

According to the fourth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, for example, in the case that the userrecognizes that the set temperature is changed to a direction in whichthe air conditioning capacity is not required, and it takes a long timeto reflect the changed set temperature, the user inputs to the secondinputting part. In accordance with this, it is possible to achieve thethird air conditioning control in the comparatively small airconditioning capacity with the input to the second inputting part as atrigger, and it is possible to quickly make the space temperatureintersect with the changed set temperature. In conjunction with this,the operating apparatus can shorten the period from the change of theset temperature to the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness ofthe signal. In other words, it is possible to contribute to theshortening of the period from the change of the set temperature to thereflection of the set temperature in the air conditioner.

A fifth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention is the mediating apparatus in accordance with any one aspectof the first to third aspects, wherein the instructing part instructsthe air conditioner to start the second air conditioning control withthe input to the inputting part as a trigger at a time when the signalis active, instructs the air conditioner to start a third airconditioning control which carries out the air conditioning with asecond air conditioning capacity which is smaller than the predeterminedair conditioning capacity with the input to the inputting part as atrigger at a time when the signal is inactive, and instructs the airconditioner to finish the second air conditioning control or the thirdair conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of the signal as a trigger.

According to the fifth aspect of the mediating apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, even if the set temperature is changed, itis possible to quickly and more securely achieve the first airconditioning control based on the estimated value of the changed settemperature, by operating the inputting part.

A first aspect of an air conditioning system in accordance with thepresent invention is provided with the mediating apparatus in accordancewith any one of the first to fifth aspects, the air conditioner, and theoperating apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the air conditioning system inaccordance with the present invention, the effect mentioned above causedby the mediating apparatus in accordance with the first aspect iscaused.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a conceptual structure of an airconditioning system;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal structureof a mediating apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a schematic example between a room temperatureand a set value;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a schematic example between the roomtemperature and the set value;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a conceptual internal structureof the mediating apparatus; and

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a schematic example between the roomtemperature and the set value.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

<Air Conditioning System>

First of all, a description will be given of a general outline of an airconditioner system. As exemplified in FIG. 1, the present airconditioning system is provided with an air conditioner 10, an operatingapparatus (hereinafter, called as a thermostat) 20, and a mediatingapparatus 30 (hereinafter, called as a unit). The air conditioner 10 canselectively execute a first air conditioning control and a second airconditioning control. In the first air conditioning control, the airconditioner 10 drives a compressor by a frequency which is controlledbased on a set value mentioned later, and a room temperature(hereinafter, called as a room temperature) in a space (an indoor) beingan object of an air conditioning control, so as to carry out an airconditioning. In the second air conditioning control, the airconditioner 10 carried out the air conditioning by a predetermined airconditioning capacity.

The thermostat 20 serves as a user interface for the air conditioningcontrol. For example, a set temperature with regard to the roomtemperature is input to the thermostat 20. The thermostat 20 switches anactiveness and an inactiveness of a signal (hereinafter, called as athermo signal) based on a scale relationship between the input settemperature and an independently detected room temperature so as totransmit the signal. In this case, a room temperature detecting partdetecting the room temperature may be provided in an inner part of thethermostat 20, or may be provided in an outer part of the thermostat 20.A transmission of the thermo signal based on the set temperature and theroom temperature will be in detail mentioned later.

The unit 30 is structured such as to mediate a communication between theair conditioner 10 and the thermostat 20. An example of a detailedcommunication content will be in detail mentioned later.

<Air Conditioner 10>

In the exemplification in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 is providedwith an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12 and an auxiliary unit 13. Theoutdoor unit 11 is provided in an outdoor side of a building, and servesas a heat source of the air conditioner 10. The indoor unit 12 isprovided in an indoor side being an object of the air conditioningcontrol, and conditions an air (typically a temperature of the air)within the room in cooperation with the outdoor unit 11. In more detail,the outdoor unit 11 has a compressor, an expansion valve and an outdoorheat exchanger, and the indoor unit 12 has an indoor heat exchanger.Further, they are connected via a refrigerant piping so as to constructa refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerantcircuit, thereby achieving a heat exchange between the indoor side andthe outdoor side by utilizing a latent heat of the refrigerant. In moredetail, the air conditioner 10 absorbs an amount of heat, for example,from the outdoor air so as to apply the amount of heat to the indoorside (so called, a heating operation), or inversely applies the amountof heat to the outdoor side so as to absorb the amount of heat from theindoor side (so called, a cooling operation). Fans are provided in theoutdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12, and these fans ventilate to theoutdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and blow out theair after the heat exchange respectively to the outdoor side and theindoor side.

The air conditioner 10 has a controlling part which is not illustrated.The controlling part mentioned above controls the compressor inaccordance with a desired frequency, and controls an opening degree ofthe expansion valve so as to adjust a state (a flow rate or the like) ofthe refrigerant. The controlling part controls a rotating speed of thefan. The controlling part appropriately controls these subjects tocontrol so as to control an air conditioning capacity which the airconditioner 10 outputs. In this case, the compressor is controlled by aninverter, as an example here. The inverter can easily change a d.c.voltage into an a.c. voltage having an optional frequency, and canfurther easily control a frequency of the compressor.

The controlling part can execute a first air conditioning control whichdrives the compressor by the frequency which is controlled based on theset value input from the unit 30 and the room temperature so as to carryout the air conditioning. As a detailed example, a description will begiven below by exemplifying the cooling operation. In the case that theroom temperature is lower than the set value, for example, the frequencyis enlarged little by little as the room temperature comes closer to theset value, and in the case that the room temperature is higher than theset value, for example, the frequency is made smaller as the roomtemperature comes closer to the set value. The heating operation isinversely carried out.

Further, the controlling part can execute a second air conditioningcontrol which carries out the air conditioning with a predetermined airconditioning capacity regardless of the set value. In more detail, thefrequency of the compressor or the like is controlled in such a mannerthat the air conditioning capacity exerted by the air conditioner 10becomes, for example, a previously set air conditioning capacity. Theselection of the first air conditioning control and the second airconditioning control is carried out based on an instruction from theunit 30.

The auxiliary unit 13 is provided, for example, in the underground. Theauxiliary unit 13 receives the signal from the unit 30, and outputs thecontrol signal to the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 based onthe signal. In this case, the auxiliary unit 13 is not an essentialelement, but the outdoor unit 11 or the indoor unit 12 may receive thesignal from the unit 30. Further, if the auxiliary unit 13 is provided,a gas furnace function may be mounted thereto. Since this point isdifferent from the essence of the present invention, a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

<Thermostat 20>

The thermostat 20 serves as an operating apparatus of the airconditioner 10 in which the frequency control of the compressor is notcarried out (for example, which is not of an inverter control type). Thethermostat 20 has an operating part, for example, to which a start and astop, and a set temperature of the air conditioning operation are input.

The thermostat 20 outputs a thermo signal which indicates a start and astop of the compressor (so-called a thermo on and a thermo off) based ona comparison between a set temperature which is input to itself and anindependently detected room temperature. A description will be givenbelow of a specific example at a time when the air conditioner 10executes the cooling operation. When the room temperature goes beyondthe set temperature, the thermostat 20, for example, activates thethermo signal so as to transmit the thermo signal to the unit 30, andwhen the room temperature goes below the set temperature, the thermostat20 makes the thermo signal, for example, inactive so as to transmit thethermo signal to the unit 30. On the other hand, in the case where theair conditioner 10 executes the heating operation, when the roomtemperature goes below the set temperature, the thermostat 20, forexample, activates the thermo signal so as to transmit the thermo signalto the unit 30, and when the room temperature goes beyond the settemperature, the thermostat 20 makes the thermo signal, for example,inactive so as to transmit the thermo signal to the unit 30.

Further, a switching function of the activeness and the inactiveness ofthe thermo signal may have a hysteresis. A description will be giventypically below of the case that the air conditioner 10 executes thecooling operation. As exemplified in FIG. 3, when the room temperaturegoes beyond, for example, a high set temperature THref which is largerthan a set temperature Tref, the thermostat 20 activates the thermosignal so as to transmit the thermo signal to the unit 30, and when theroom temperature goes below, for example, a low set temperature TLrefwhich is smaller than the set temperature Tref, the thermostat 20 makesthe thermo signal inactive so as to transmit the thermo signal to theunit 30.

As mentioned above, the thermostat 20 outputs the thermo signal which isnecessary in the air conditioner in which the frequency control of thecompressor is not carried out. On the other hand, the thermostat 20 doesnot output the information with regard to the set temperature which isnecessary in the air conditioner in which the frequency control of thecompressor is carried out.

<Unit 30>

The unit 30 mediates a communication between the general-purposethermostat 20 which treats the air conditioner in which the frequencycontrol of the compressor is not carried out, and the air conditioner 10in which the frequency control of the compressor is carried out. Bymeans of this unit 30, it is possible to achieve the air conditioning inwhich the frequency control of the compressor is carried out while usingthe general-purpose thermostat 20.

As exemplified in FIG. 2, the unit 30 is provided with an inputting part31, a communicating part 32, and a controlling part 33. A roomtemperature detecting part 34 is provided in the indoor side, anddetects the room temperature. In this case, the room temperaturedetecting part 34 may be constructed by a room temperature detectingpart which is provided in the thermostat 20. The communicating part 32can communicate with the air conditioner 10 and the thermostat 20 inaccordance with a wire or a wireless.

The controlling part 33 is provided with a signal receiving part 331, aroom temperature acquiring part 332, a set temperature estimating part333, an estimated value transmitting part 334 and an instructing part335.

In this case, the controlling part 33 is structured such as to include amicrocomputer and a memory apparatus. The microcomputer executesrespective processing steps (in other words, procedures) described in aprogram. The memory apparatus can be constructed by one or a pluralityof various memory apparatuses, for example, a read only memory (ROM), arandom access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a harddisc apparatus and the like. The memory apparatus stores variousinformation and data, stores the program which the microcomputerexecutes, and provides a working area for executing the program. In thiscase, the microcomputer can be comprehended so as to serve as variousmeans corresponding to the various processing steps described in theprogram, and can be comprehended so as to achieve the various functionscorresponding to the respective processing steps. Further, thecontrolling part 33 is not limited to this, but the various proceduresexecuted by the controlling part 33, or a part or a whole of the variousmeans or the various functions which are realized may be achieved by ahardware.

The signal receiving part 331 can receive the signal transmitted fromthe thermostat 20 so as to recognize the signal.

The room temperature detecting part 34 is connected to the controllingpart 33, and the room temperature acquiring part 332 receives theinformation indicating the room temperature from the room temperaturedetecting part 34.

The set temperature estimating part 333 estimates the set temperatureinput to the thermostat 20 based on the room temperature with the switchof the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo signal as atrigger. In more detail, the set temperature estimating part 333calculates the estimated value of the set temperature based on the roomtemperature at a time when the activeness and the inactiveness of thethermo signal are switched. For example, in the case that the switchingfunction of the thermo signal does not have any hysteresis, the settemperature estimating part 333 estimates the set temperature at theroom temperature at a time when the activeness and the inactiveness ofthe thermo signal is switched. Alternatively, in the case that theswitching function of the thermo signal has a hysteresis, the estimatedvalue of the set temperature may be calculated from the room temperatureat a time when the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo signalare switched, while taking into consideration a difference ΔT betweenthe high set temperature THref and the set temperature Tref, and adifference ΔT between the low set temperature TLref and the settemperature Tref, with reference to FIG. 3. For example, the settemperature estimating part 333 estimates a value obtained by adding thedifference ΔT to the room temperature at a time point t2 as the settemperature Tref.

The estimated value transmitting part 334 transmits the estimated valuecalculated by the set temperature estimating part 333 as the set valueto the air conditioner 10. Accordingly, the air conditioner 10 canexecute the first air conditioning based on the set value and the roomtemperature.

As mentioned above, the unit 30 uses the thermo signal as a conditionfor starting the estimating process of the set temperature, withoutusing as the signal for starting and stopping the operation of thecompressor which is inherently intended. Further, the air conditioner 10can execute the first air conditioning control which controls thefrequency of the compressor based on the set value (the estimated settemperature) and the room temperature, by transmitting the estimatedvalue as the set value to the air conditioner 10. Accordingly, it ispossible to realize the air conditioning operation of the airconditioner 10 in which the frequency control of the compressor iscarried out, while using the thermostat 20 which treats the airconditioner in which the frequency control of the compressor is notcarried out.

Further, the inputting part 31 is connected to the controlling part 33.The inputting part 31 is an inputting part for making the airconditioner 10 execute a second air conditioning control which carriesout the air conditioning with a predetermined air conditioning capacity.The instructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to start thesecond air conditioning control with the input to the inputting part 31as a trigger. The air conditioner 10 receiving the instruction mentionedabove executes the second air conditioning control, for example, inaccordance with a previously determined air conditioning capacity (forexample, a maximum air conditioning capacity). Thereafter, theinstructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to finish thesecond air conditioning control with the switch of the activeness andthe inactiveness of the thermo signal as a trigger. The inputting part31 and the instructing part 335 will be in detail described later.

<Action of Present Air Conditioning System>

A description will be given below of the cooling operation byexemplifying with reference to FIG. 3. First of all, a description willbe given of an action at a time of starting the present air conditioningsystem. If the user inputs the start of the air conditioning operationto the thermostat 20, the thermostat 20 activates the thermo signalbased on the room temperature and the set temperature Tref (or the highset temperature THref, hereinafter, same applies in this paragraph) soas to output the thermo signal. This is because of the following reason.Normally, at a time of starting the operation, the room temperature isaway from the set temperature Tref in a direction in which the airconditioning capacity is required. For example, in the case that thecooling operation is executed, the room temperature is higher than theset temperature Tref. Accordingly, the thermostat 20 activates thethermo signal so as to transmit the thermo signal to the unit 30.

Since the air conditioner 10 does not receive the set value (theestimated value of the set temperature Tref) at a time of starting, itis necessary to estimate the set temperature Tref in an early stage.Accordingly, it is desirable to carry out the air conditioning in such amanner that the room temperature intersects with the set temperatureTref (or the low set temperature TLref, hereinafter, same applies inthis paragraph) in an early stage, for example, with the maximum airconditioning capacity. Accordingly, the unit 30 determines whether ornot the frequency of receiving the activated thermo signal is one. Inother words, the unit 30 determines whether or not the unit 30 receivesthe thermo signal once, in other words, whether or not it is a startingtime of the air conditioner 10. If it is the starting time, the unit 30instructs to the air conditioner 10 to carry out the air conditioning,for example, with the maximum air conditioning capacity. The airconditioner 10 receiving the instruction mentioned above carries out theair conditioning, for example, based on the maximum air conditioningcapacity. In accordance with this, it is possible to make the roomtemperature quickly intersect with the set temperature Tref.

In an exemplification in FIG. 3, the air conditioning is executed withthe maximum air conditioning capacity at a time point t1 when the airconditioning operation is started. In this case, in the exemplificationin FIG. 3, the switching function of the thermo signal has a hysteresis.In the exemplification in FIG. 3, the high set temperature THref is onedegree higher than the set temperature Tref, and the low set temperatureTLref is one degree lower than the set temperature Tref.

Further, when the room temperature goes below the low set temperatureTLref at a time point t2, the thermo signal becomes inactive. The unit30 estimates the set temperature Tref based on the room temperature atthe time point t2 with the switch of the activeness and the inactivenessof the signal as a trigger. In the example mentioned above, theestimated value is a value obtained by adding one degree to the roomtemperature. The estimated value is transmitted as the set value to theair conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 executes the first airconditioning control which drives the compressor by the frequency whichis controlled based on the received set value and the room temperature.

For example, since the room temperature goes below the estimated valueof the set temperature Tref just after the time point t2, the airconditioner 10 operates while reducing the frequency of the compressor.In conjunction with this, the room temperature is switched to anincreasing state from a reducing state. In this case, it is preferableto drive the compressor by the low frequency (for example, 0) just afterthe time point t2, and increase the frequency of the compressor littleby little as the room temperature comes closer to the set temperatureTref. In accordance with this, it is possible to smoothly make the roomtemperature closer to the set temperature Tref. On the other hand, afterthe room temperature goes beyond the set temperature Tref, the roomtemperature may be continuously increased at a comparatively low risingspeed, in such a manner that the room temperature more securely goesbeyond the high set temperature THref.

Further, if the room temperature goes beyond the high set temperatureTHref at a time point t3, the thermo signal is again activated. The unit30 again estimates the set temperature Tref with the switch of theactiveness and the inactiveness of the signal as a trigger. In theexample mentioned above, the estimated value is a value obtained bysubtracting one degree from the room temperature. Further, the unit 30transmits the estimated value as the set value to the air conditioner10.

Since the room temperature goes beyond the estimated value of the settemperature Tref just after the time point t3, the air conditioner 10operates while increasing the frequency of the compressor. Inconjunction with this, the room temperature is again switched to thereducing state from the increasing state. In this case, it is preferableto drive the compressor at a high frequency just after the time pointt3, and reduce the frequency of the compressor little by little as theroom temperature comes closer to the set temperature Tref. In accordancewith this, it is possible to smoothly make the room temperature closerto the set temperature Tref. On the other hand, after the roomtemperature goes below the set temperature Tref, the room temperaturemay be continuously cooled at a comparatively low reducing speed in sucha manner that the room temperature more securely goes below the low settemperature TLref.

Further, if the room temperature goes below the low set temperatureTLref at a time point t4, the set temperature Tref is again estimated,and is transmitted to the air conditioner 10. In conjunction with this,the frequency of the compressor is further reduced, and the roomtemperature is switched again to the increasing state from the reducingstate. Further, if the room temperature goes beyond the high settemperature THref at a time point t5, the set temperature Tref is againestimated.

In this case, in the exemplification in FIG. 3, the set temperature Trefis changed by the user at a time point t6 after the time point t5. Inthe exemplification in FIG. 3, the set temperature Tref is changed in adirection in which the air conditioning capacity is more required. Inother words, since the cooling operation is carried out here, the settemperature Tref is changed to a smaller value.

However, at the time point t6, the change of the set temperature Tref isnot reflected to the first air conditioning control of the airconditioner 10. This is because the unit 30 does not estimate thechanged set temperature Tref, and the air conditioner 10 executes thefirst air conditioning control based on the estimated value of the settemperature Tref before being changed.

Under such a condition, there is a case that it takes a long time forthe room temperature to follow the changed set temperature Tref (referto a broken line after a time point t7 in FIG. 3). In theexemplification in FIG. 3, since the room temperature is cooled byoperating the compressor by the comparatively low frequency, forexample, after the room temperature goes below the set temperature Trefbefore being changed, the reducing speed of the room temperature is low.Accordingly, it takes a comparatively long time for the room temperatureto go below the changed low set temperature TLref. In theexemplification in FIG. 3, the room temperature goes below the changedlow set temperature TLref at a time point t9.

The delay of the following mentioned above can be recognized by theuser, for example, based on a sensitive temperature, or the roomtemperature displayed by the thermostat 20 or the unit 30. Further, ifthe user determines that it takes a long time for the room temperatureto follow the changed set temperature Tref, the user can operate theinputting part 31, for example, at a time point t7. The instructing part335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to start the second airconditioning control with the input mentioned above as a trigger.

The air conditioner 10 receiving the instruction mentioned aboveexecutes the air conditioning operation, for example, with a previouslydetermined air conditioning capacity. The predetermined air conditioningcapacity is a comparatively large value in an air conditioning capacityrange which the air conditioner 10 can output, for example, a maximumair conditioning capacity. In this case, the predetermined airconditioning capacity is not limited to the maximum air conditioningcapacity, but may be equal to or more than an average value of the airconditioning capacity, for example, output from the time point t5 to thetime point t7 by the first air conditioning control. In other words, thepredetermined air conditioning capacity may be equal to or more than theaverage value of the air conditioning capacity output by the first airconditioning control, in a period between the time points t5 and t6. Thetime point t5 is just below the time point t6 at which the input to theinputting part 31 is carried out, and is one of the time points when theactiveness and the inactiveness of the thermo signal are switched.

In accordance with this, the reducing speed of the room temperature isincreased, and the room temperature goes below the low set temperatureTLref at a time point t8 before a time point t9. Further, at the timepoint t8, the thermostat 20 activates the thermo signal and transmitsthe thermo signal to the unit 30. The instructing part 335 instructs theair conditioner 10 to finish the second air conditioning control withthe switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermo signalas a trigger. Further, the set temperature estimating part 333 estimatesthe changed set temperature Tref, and the estimated value transmittingpart 334 transmits this estimated value as the set value to the airconditioner 10. In accordance with this, the air conditioner 10 canexecute the first air conditioning control based on the estimated valueof the changed set temperature Tref.

As mentioned above, when the user feels that the time at which the roomtemperature follows the changed set temperature Tref is late, the useroperates the inputting part 31. In accordance with this, it is possibleto shorten a period from the time point t6 at which the set temperatureTref is changed to the time point t8 at which the change of the settemperature Tref is reflected. Further, if the predetermined airconditioning capacity is set to the maximum air conditioning capacity,it is possible to more shorten the period.

In this case, the description is given of the action of the present airconditioning system by exemplifying the cooling operation, however, thesame applies to the heating operation.

Further, in order to bring about the operation of the inputting part 31to the user, the unit 30 may be provided with an informing part. Theinforming part informs an outer part of a matter of prompting the inputto the inputting part, for example, at a time when a predetermined timehas passed from the time point at which the activeness and theinactiveness of the thermo signal is switched. The information mentionedabove may be executed by light, sound, vibration or the like.

Second Preferred Embodiment

A description will be given of a second preferred embodiment byexemplifying a cooling operation in the same manner as the firstpreferred embodiment. In an exemplification in FIG. 4, the roomtemperature goes below the low set temperature TLref at a time point t4,and the thermo signal is switched to the inactiveness. The settemperature Tref is estimated with the switch as a trigger, and theestimated value is transmitted to the air conditioner 10. In conjunctionwith this, the air conditioner 10 controls the frequency of thecompressor in such a manner that the room temperature is increased. Inaccordance with this, the room temperature is switched to the increasingstate from the reducing state.

In the exemplification in FIG. 4, the set temperature Tref is changed bythe user to a lower value at a time point t5 at which the thermo signalis inactive. In conjunction with this, the high set temperature THref islowered. Accordingly, a time point t7 at which the room temperature goesbeyond the high set temperature THref presents itself earlier thanbefore the set temperature Tref is changed. Therefore, the airconditioner 10 can recognize the change of the set temperature Tref in acomparatively early stage.

However, if the user operates the inputting part 31 at the time point t6at which the thermo signal is inactive, the air conditioner 10 executesa second air conditioning control which carries out an air conditioningwith a predetermined air conditioning capacity. In conjunction withthis, the room temperature is continuously lowered. As a result, thereis a case that the room temperature does not go beyond the high settemperature THref.

In the second preferred embodiment, in order to prevent an erroneousoperation of the user, the instructing part 335 instructs the airconditioner 10 to start the second air conditioning control with theinput of the inputting part 31 as a trigger, only in the case that thethermo signal is active. In accordance with this, even if the useroperates the inputting part 31 at the time point t6, the air conditioner10 executes the first air conditioning control based on the estimatedvalue of the set temperature Tref before being changed, without carryingout the second air conditioning control. Accordingly, the roomtemperature goes beyond the high set temperature THref at the time pointt7, and the first air conditioning control is comparatively quicklyexecuted based on the estimated value of the changed set temperatureTref.

In this case, in the second preferred embodiment, the user operates theinputting part at a time when the user feels that the following of theroom temperature to the changed set temperature Tref is late, whereby itis possible to correctly bring about the effect mentioned in the firstpreferred embodiment. In other words, as exemplified in FIG. 4, if theset temperature Tref is changed to a lower value in the case that thethermo signal is inactive, the room temperature comparatively quicklygoes beyond the high set temperature THref. Accordingly, at this time,the user does not feel that the following of the room temperature to thechanged set temperature is late. In other words, the user may operatethe inputting part 31 at a time when the user feels that the followingis late. On the other hand, in accordance with the second preferredembodiment, the user can operate the inputting part 31 just afterchanging the setting without determining whether or not the user feelsthe late of the following.

Further, in the second preferred embodiment, the description is given byexemplifying the cooling operation, however, the same applies to theheating operation without being limited to this. In the heatingoperation, when the room temperature goes beyond the set temperature,the thermostat 20 switches the thermo signal to the inactive so as totransmit, and when the room temperature goes below the set temperature,the thermostat 20 switches the thermo signal to the active so as totransmit. Even in this case, the instructing part 335 may instruct thestart of the second air conditioning control only in the case that thethermo signal is active. In accordance with this, it is possible toavoid a trouble caused by an erroneous use of the user.

Third Preferred Embodiment

As exemplified in FIG. 5, the unit 30 may be further provided with asecond inputting part 35. The second inputting part 35 is an inputtingpart for making the air conditioner 10 carry out a third airconditioning control which carries out the air conditioning with apredetermined second air conditioning capacity. The second airconditioning capacity is lower than the predetermined air conditioningcapacity which is output by the second air conditioning control.

A description will be given below by exemplifying a cooling operationwith reference to FIG. 6. In the exemplification in FIG. 6, the roomtemperature goes below the low set temperature TLref at a time point t4,and the thermo signal is switched to the inactive at this time. Further,for example, in the case of changing the set temperature Tref to ahigher value, at a time point t5 when the thermo signal is inactive, aperiod from the time point at which the set temperature is changed to atime point t8 at which the set temperature is reflected is comparativelylong.

Accordingly, in the case that the user feels that the room temperatureis late to follow the changed set temperature Tref, the user operatesthe second inputting part 35. The instructing part 335 instructs the airconditioner 10 to start the third air conditioning control with theinput to the second inputting part 35 as a trigger. The second airconditioning capacity may be, for example, lower than an average valueof the air conditioning capacity which is output in the period from thetime point t4 to the time point t6, and is, for example, a minimum airconditioning capacity. In other words, the predetermined airconditioning capacity may be equal to or less than the average value ofthe air conditioning capacity which is output by the first airconditioning control in the period from the time point t5 to the timepoint t6. The time point t5 is just before the time point t6 at whichthe input to the inputting part 31 is carried out, and is one of thetime points at which the activeness and the inactiveness of the thermosignal are switched.

Accordingly, the room temperature is increased at a comparatively highrising speed after the time point t6, and accordingly, the roomtemperature goes beyond the high set temperature THref at the time pointt7. If the thermo signal is switched to the active at the time point t7,the instructing part 335 instructs the air conditioner 10 to finish thethird air conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness as a trigger. Further, the changed set temperature Tref isestimated and transmitted to the air conditioner 10 by the settemperature estimating part 333 and the estimated value transmittingpart 334.

In accordance with this, it is possible to quicken the time point t7 atwhich the estimated value of the changed set temperature Tref istransmitted to the air conditioner, and it is possible to quicklyrealize the first air conditioning control based on the estimated valueof the changed set temperature Tref.

In this case, in the same manner as the second preferred embodiment, theinstructing part 335 may instruct the air conditioner 10 to start thethird air conditioning control with the input to the second inputtingpart 35 as a trigger only in the case that the thermo signal isinactive. In accordance with this, it is possible to inhibit anerroneous use of the user.

Further, the inputting part 31 and the second inputting part 35 may berealized by one inputting part 31. In more detail, the instructing part335 instructs the start of the second air conditioning control with theinput to the inputting part 31 as a trigger in the case that the thermosignal is active, and instructs the start of the third air conditioningcontrol with the input to the inputting part 31 as a trigger in the casethat the thermo signal is inactive. Further, the instructing part 335instructs the finish of the second air conditioning control of the thirdair conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of the thermo signal as a trigger.

As can be understood from the exemplification in FIGS. 4 and 6, if thethird air conditioning control (the air conditioning control by the lowair conditioning capacity) is executed in the case that the thermosignal is inactive, it is possible to quicken the time point at whichthe room temperature goes beyond the high set temperature THref. On theother hand, as can be understood from the exemplification in FIG. 4, ifthe second air conditioning control (the air conditioning control by thehigh air conditioning capacity) is executed in the case that the thermosignal is active, it is possible to quicken the time point at which theroom temperature goes below the low set temperature TLref. This is thesame in the case that the set temperature Tref is changed to a highervalue at a time when the thermo signal is active.

Accordingly, even when the user changes the set temperature to the highvalue or low value, it is possible to quickly and securely realize thefirst air conditioning control based on the estimated value of thechanged set temperature Tref, by the input of the inputting part 31.

While the invention has been shown and described in detail, theforegoing description is in all aspects illustrative and notrestrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications andvariations can be devised without departing from the scope of theinvention.

1. A mediating apparatus mediating a communication between an airconditioner and an operating apparatus, said air conditioner selectivelyexecuting a first air conditioning control and a second air conditioncontrol, said first air conditioning control carrying out an airconditioning while including a step of driving a compressor by afrequency which is controlled based on a set value and a spacetemperature of a space being an object of an air conditioning control,and reducing said frequency, said second air conditioning controlcarrying out an air conditioning with a predetermined air conditioningcapacity, and said operating apparatus inputting a set temperature, andswitching an activeness and an inactiveness of a signal based on a scalerelationship between said space temperature and said set temperature andtransmitting said signal, the mediating apparatus comprising: aninputting part for making said air conditioner execute said second airconditioning control; a signal receiving part which receives said signalfrom said operating apparatus; an instructing part which instructs saidair conditioner to start said second air conditioning control with aninput to said inputting part as a trigger, and instructs said airconditioner to finish said second air conditioning control with a switchof the activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger; aroom temperature acquiring part which receives an information indicatingsaid space temperature; a set temperature estimating part whichcalculates an estimated value of said set temperature based on saidspace temperature with the switch of the activeness and the inactivenessof said signal as a trigger; and an estimated value transmitting partwhich transmits said estimated value as said set value to said airconditioner.
 2. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid predetermined air conditioning capacity is equal to or more than anaverage value of the air conditioning capacity which is output by saidfirst air conditioning control during a period between a first timepoint and a second time point, the activeness and the inactiveness ofsaid signal being switched at said second time point, said second timepoint being just before said first time point when the input to saidinputting part is carried out.
 3. The mediating apparatus as claimed inclaim 2, wherein said operating apparatus activates and transmits saidsignal when said space temperature is lower than said set temperature inthe case that said air conditioner executes a cooling operation, andactivates and transmits said signal when said space temperature ishigher than said set temperature in the case that said air conditionerexecutes a heating operation, and wherein said instructing partinstructs said start of said second air conditioning control only in thecase that said signal is activated.
 4. The mediating apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a second inputting part formaking said air conditioner carry out a third air conditioning controlwhich carries out the air conditioning with a second air conditioningcapacity which is smaller than said predetermined air conditioningcapacity, wherein said instructing part instructs said air conditionerto start said third air conditioning control with the input to saidsecond inputting part as a trigger, and instructs said air conditionerto finish said third air conditioning control with the switch of theactiveness and the inactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
 5. Themediating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a secondinputting part for making said air conditioner carry out a third airconditioning control which carries out the air conditioning with asecond air conditioning capacity which is smaller than saidpredetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein said instructing partinstructs said air conditioner to start said third air conditioningcontrol with the input to said second inputting part as a trigger, andinstructs said air conditioner to finish said third air conditioningcontrol with the switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of saidsignal as a trigger.
 6. The mediating apparatus as claimed in claim 3,further comprising a second inputting part for making said airconditioner carry out a third air conditioning control which carries outthe air conditioning with a second air conditioning capacity which issmaller than said predetermined air conditioning capacity, wherein saidinstructing part instructs said air conditioner to start said third airconditioning control with the input to said second inputting part as atrigger, and instructs said air conditioner to finish said third airconditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
 7. The mediating apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said instructing part instructs said airconditioner to start said second air conditioning control with the inputto said inputting part as a trigger at a time when said signal isactive, instructs said air conditioner to start a third air conditioningcontrol which carries out the air conditioning with a second airconditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined airconditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a triggerat a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said airconditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or the thirdair conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
 8. The mediating apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said instructing part instructs said airconditioner to start said second air conditioning control with the inputto said inputting part as a trigger at a time when said signal isactive, instructs said air conditioner to start a third air conditioningcontrol which carries out the air conditioning with a second airconditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined airconditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a triggerat a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said airconditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or the thirdair conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
 9. The mediating apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said instructing part instructs said airconditioner to start said second air conditioning control with the inputto said inputting part as a trigger at a time when said signal isactive, instructs said air conditioner to start a third air conditioningcontrol which carries out the air conditioning with a second airconditioning capacity which is smaller than said predetermined airconditioning capacity with the input to said inputting part as a triggerat a time when said signal is inactive, and instructs said airconditioner to finish said second air conditioning control or the thirdair conditioning control with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of said signal as a trigger.
 10. An air conditioning systemcomprising: an air conditioner selectively executing a first airconditioning control and a second air conditioning control, said firstconditioning control carrying out an air conditioning while including astep of driving a compressor by a frequency which is controlled based ona set value and a space temperature of a space as a subject of an airconditioning control, and reducing said frequency, and said second airconditioning control carrying out an air conditioning with apredetermined air conditioning capacity; an operating apparatusinputting a set temperature, and switching an activeness and aninactiveness of a signal based on a scale relationship between saidspace temperature and said set temperature and transmitting said signal;and a mediating apparatus mediating a communication between said airconditioner and said operating apparatus, said mediating apparatushaving an inputting part for making said air conditioner execute saidsecond air conditioning control, a signal receiving part which receivessaid signal from said operating apparatus, an instructing part whichinstructs said air conditioner to start said second air conditioningcontrol with an input to said inputting part as a trigger, and instructssaid air conditioner to finish said second air conditioning control witha switch of the activeness and the inactiveness of said signal as atrigger, a room temperature acquiring part which receives an informationindicating said space temperature, a set temperature estimating partwhich calculates an estimated value of said set temperature based onsaid space temperature with the switch of the activeness and theinactiveness of said signal as a trigger, and an estimated valuetransmitting part which transmits said estimated value as said set valueto said air conditioner.